Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew at the age of 74:

"I am truly saddened by the loss of Harmon Killebrew, one of the great human beings I have ever known. All of Baseball has lost a true gentleman who represented the Minnesota Twins with class and
grace for decades. Harmon was as tough and feared a competitor on the field as the game has ever seen, while off the field he touched everyone he encountered with his sensitive and humble nature. He was not only a Hall of Fame player, but a Hall of Fame person.

"Harmon hit more than 40 home runs eight times in his career and had more home runs than any player in the 1960s. He was an 11-time All-Star, won the American League MVP in 1969 and helped the
Minnesota Twins reach the World Series in 1965.

"I recall with great fondness the many hours we spent together over the years and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend time visiting with him this spring in Arizona. He led his life with modesty and dignity and I will miss him forever.

"On behalf of Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Harmon's wife, Nita, their family and to all of the fans in Minnesota and throughout the Upper Midwest who were touched by this great man."